“Vehicle was not Fit to Carry School Children”, says Karnataka Transport Officials

After the death of two children from Sandeepani International School at Gejjagondanahalli, transport officials says that vehicle was not fit to carry school children.

A meeting was held by Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner (DC) G. Satyavati with officers of Road Transport, Education, Police and Health Departments to discuss the issue. It was reported that no representatives from school turned up for the meeting.

“It has come to light that the school authorities were using a Tamil Nadu-registered vehicle to carry schoolchildren. I have instructed the RTO officials to issue a notice to the school”, Ms. Satyavati, told The Hindu. Also school authorties had neither transferred the vehicle’s registration to Karnataka nor renewed its fitness certificate.

“It is not actually a school bus. It does not meet the standards fixed for a school bus”, said Mr. Eshwar Naik, senior motor vehicle inspector.

According to rules, a speed governor should be installed in the school bus, proper school buses design should be as per the safety norms and drivers should have at least five years of experience. “None of these conditions were fulfilled in the vehicle. The department will take action against the school authorities as per the norms,” Mr. Naik said.

The Deputy Commissioner ordered Deputy Director of Public Instruction to give a notification and take appropriate action against school authorities who doesn't comply with the rules. Also he plans to conduct a special drive for enhancing safety of school children.